Date: [June 10, 2025]
The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has convicted and sentenced Matsiko Mutwingire Abert, the former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Ibanda District, and Nuwagira Tom, the District Natural Resources Officer, to 18 months in prison for their role in the illegal allocation of government land.
In addition to the custodial sentence, both officials have been ordered to pay UGX 10,470,000 each to Ibanda District Local Government as compensation for the financial loss incurred during efforts to recover the land.
The court heard that the two officials, while serving in their respective capacities, abused their offices by unlawfully granting 13 hectares of Ibanda Forest Reserve to the Rukokoma Mixed Farmers Cooperative Society. This was done without seeking the required degazettement of the forest reserve, thereby contravening established procedures and laws safeguarding public land.
This conviction sends a strong message that government officials entrusted with the management of public resources will be held accountable for their actions. Protecting forest reserves and public land is critical not only for environmental conservation but also for ensuring equitable access to resources for future generations.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) remains committed to working with partner agencies to investigate, prosecute, and secure convictions in cases where public trust is betrayed through corruption and abuse of office.